Huesca, Alto Aragon

Huesca, Alto Aragon - Overview:

Huesca, located at the foot of the Pyreneese mountain range has a landscape of incredible beauty. It is the capital of the province that takes its name, has approximately 50,000 inhabitants and was founded in the 1st century BC. It has a surface area of 15,615 Km2 and stands at an altitude of 488 metres.

Huesca, Alto Aragon - Geography:

Huesca is bordered in the north by the Gratal, Gabardiella and Guara mountain ranges, and in the south by Tardienta and Granen. It also borders with France through the passages of Somport, Portalet and Bielsa.

Huesca, Alto Aragon - History:

The Alto Aragonese capital was the first Ibero-Roman Acropolis. Originally the independent state was know as Osca and proudly boasted an advanced educational system and senate. From the 8th century the area became a Moorish stronghold. Huesca was the region's capital until 1118 when it was then passed to Zaragoza. Huesca is now the provincial capital.

Huesca, Alto Aragon - Out & About:

The city of Huesca has much to offer and getting around is quite easy via the main roads and highway. There is a bus service with regular routes linking to the main cities of Spain. The RENFE has several daily services, and the airport is only 30 minutes away.

Huesca, Alto Aragon - Sightseeing:

The pleasant old town has a gothic cathedral. The eroded west front is surmounted by an unusual wooden gallery in Mudejar style. Above the nave is slender-ribbed star vaulting studded with golden bosses. The cathedral's best feature is an alabaster altar piece by the master sculptor Damila Forment. On the altar piece, a series of energetic Crucifixion scenes in relief are highlighted by creative lighting.

Opposite the cathedral is the Renaissance town hall. A gory 19th century painting - La Campana de Huesca - hangs inside. It depicts the town's most memorable event: the beheading of a group of troublesome nobles in the 12th century by order of King Ramiro II. The massacre occurred in the Sala de Campana of the 17th century university. This now houses the superb Museo Arqueologico Provincial, containing archaelogical finds and a collection of art, including Gothic frescoes and early Aragonese works.